Athens welcomes a unique artistic collaboration as Oscar-nominated actor, filmmaker, and visual artist James Franco joins forces with renowned video and performance artist Kalup Linzy for the exhibition Dreams, Fame, and the Savage.
The exhibition, at The Breeder gallery, explores themes of celebrity, moral values, and societal roles through a satirical and thought-provoking lens.
A Fusion of Art and Popular Culture
Franco and Linzy, whose collaboration dates back to 2009, present new joint works alongside individual creations that critique and deconstruct the world of mass culture, Hollywood, and reality television. Among the highlights is the premiere of their new film The Real Housewives in Tulsa, a satirical take on reality TV aesthetics that delves into morality, interpersonal relationships, and social dynamics. The film is complemented by a series of mixed-media collages inspired by its characters, blending the distinct artistic approaches of both creators.
Also debuting is Franco’s latest musical project, Lana Land, inspired by the life and legacy of Hollywood icon Lana Turner. The film is presented alongside his paintings on cotton fabric, adding a visual narrative to the project. Meanwhile, Linzy showcases an intimate series of storyboard-style drawings on paper, reflecting his personal journey and signature artistic style.
A Longstanding Creative Partnership
The artistic dialogue between Franco and Linzy has resulted in a dynamic body of work spanning film, performance, and visual art. Their collaboration began with their appearance in the television series General Hospital and has since expanded into live performances, musical projects, and exhibitions worldwide. Together, they challenge conventional storytelling, merging fiction with real-life commentary on fame and identity.
About the Artists
Kalup Linzy (b. 1977, Clermont, Florida) is an acclaimed multimedia artist who earned his MFA from the University of South Florida and attended the prestigious Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. He has received numerous accolades, including the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship and the Creative Capital Foundation Grant. His work is held in the permanent collections of major institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
James Franco (b. 1978, Palo Alto, California) is widely recognized for his interdisciplinary approach to art, exploring themes of identity, celebrity, and self-representation. His works have been exhibited at leading institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, Peres Projects in Berlin, and Gagosian in Beverly Hills. Franco often deconstructs Hollywood’s glamour and mythology, merging painting, video, and performance in his artistic practice.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition opened on Thursday, January 23, with a special event attended by the artists. Dreams, Fame, and the Savage will run until February 22 at The Breeder, located at 45 Iasonos Street, Athens.
For more information, visit: thebreedersystem.com
Supported by the Tulsa Artist Fellowship, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolving artistic dialogue between Franco and Linzy in the heart of Athens.